Federal 2026 Budget Proposes $1.7 Billion in HIV Funds

Erie County Department of Health

While the Federal government is shut down as of this article submission, there is a proposed budget by the House (of Representatives) Appropriations Committee that would make permanent cuts to US HIV treatment and prevention programs by over $1.7 billion. This budget would eliminate all US HIV prevention funding - which nearly accounts for all dollars used in many jurisdictions across the United States. The bill for this proposed budget also reduces the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program by over 20%, affecting lifesaving treatment and medications to more than half of all the people living with HIV in the US.

A study released earlier this year looked into the potential impact of disrupting Ryan White services and found it could result in a 38% increase of infections through 2030 while interrupting services for 3 ½ years could results in 38% more infections. [https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/ANNALS-25-01737]

While HIV infections have been low in Erie County for years, these budget cuts could have negative effects on current prevention efforts, impact local providers, their services for testing and treatment. The Erie County Department of Health uses Federal and State funding to provide free testing for STIs and HIV. We can help you learn about current testing and treatment options here in Erie County. Would you like some FREE condoms? We provide free condoms and lubricants to clients in our Sexual Health Clinic. Weekly clinic is Tuesdays 9am-11am and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm. For more info, give us a call at the Erie County Department of Health, 814-451-6700.